Filename: RC4018.TXT
[PAGE 307]
ROSICRUCIAN CHRISTIANITY ASTROLOGY COURSE:
ASTROLOGY LESSON NO. 24:
Dear Friend:
In commencing this course of instruction in the method of reading a horo-
scope from the spiritual point of view, it is necessary to give some general
advice regarding the attitude of mind which students must cultivate in order
to achieve success; namely, Compassion.
It is an excellent practice for young students to study their OWN figure
and those of their nearest friends, because that gives them a good idea of
how celestial aspects are the precursors of terrestrial events, with which
they are already familiar. Thus they gain valuable knowledge and a confi-
dence not to be obtained by mere book study, and all is well if they soon
branch out and become interested in the horoscopes of OTHERS to such an ex-
tent that they almost forget their own.
Right at this point in their path, however, there is a death-trap and
many, alas, all too many, fall by the wayside and allow personal interests
to rule. They pore over their own figure every spare minute; They tabulate
aspects daily; they cast a honorary figure for every move, even to the
smallest affairs of life. Thus they prostitute the most sublime science ex-
tant, and nip in the bud what might have become a wonderful factor in devel-
oping soul power; namely, the faculty of SPIRITUAL delineation. I hope and
pray that you may escape that dreadful quagmire. Always remember your prom-
ise TO HELP OTHERS according to your ability.
Another serious responsibility will confront you and require great dis-
cretion when you see illness or trouble ahead of a client. Never under any
circumstances tell him bluntly or impending trouble or ill health, for he
will surely lose his stamina by brooding, and the blow will be twice as
heavy owing to your indiscretion. You must first learn discrimination; to
many people even a hint of trouble is disastrous although that class usually
question the Astrologer very closely, and profess profound ability to pre-
serve perfect equanimity, even in the face of impending death. Be careful
as to what you tell them, for you will be held accountable. Neither should
you mind if your ability is questioned when events come to pass which you
have seen in a life and kept silent about rather than discourage a soul that
is weak or heavy-laden.
Once, jealous of my beloved science, I told a mother that if we could
only get her sick daughter past a certain day, she would recover. The
mother repeated my words to her daughter. She died on the day designated,
and I have always felt responsible. On another occasion a lady asked:
"Would you advise divorce?" I saw her husband's death was iminent, but kept
[PAGE 308]
her silent. I magnified her faults and his good points, and prevailed upon
her to bear and forbear for a while longer. When a fatal accident severed
the time, she had no self-reproach; she blessed me for my advice, though she
might not have regarded by ability to predict very highly.
In the one case I have the prediction that I might be able to say, "I
withheld information and earned blessings. The lesson is obvious:
USE 99 Per cent DISCRETION to 1 Per cent BLUNT TRUTH, and always ENCOUR-
AGE.
In the next lesson we shall commence reading a horoscope. That is a
study of absorbing interest, but remember, do not love it for the knowledge
or the power it will give you; love it for the good you can do with it, and
your treasure will be great in heaven. May God bless your efforts.
Yours in fellowship,
Max Heindel
[PAGE 309]
ASTROLOGY LESSON NO. 25:
Dear Friend:
To read a horoscope correctly, it is essential to know whether material
or spiritual advancement is intended for the soul during this embodiment,
and tow hat extend one phase is expected to predominate. This is denoted by
the progression of the angels. When the Midheaven moves faster, opportuni-
ties for intellectual and spiritual endeavor present themselves and bring
success, if grasped. When the Ascendant moves faster, material affairs will
claim expression.
Were this understood and acted upon, there would be fewer failures in
life, for the right Opportunity knocks at every door. Satisfaction and suc-
cess always result if we embrace it. If we miss our chance, there will be
an undercurrent of regret despite any seeming success; the Soul feel the re-
sulting lack.
The greatest danger of mission our chance is by a preconceived, mistaken
idea of what constitutes opportunity, and an astrologer ignorant of this in-
ner teaching may be a dangerous guide. Suppose he be asked to indicate the
life work of a young man with Mars elevated in Scorpio. In the light of
common knowledge he can say that the young man will excel in surgery. pass-
ing years may bring him fame and fortune; Apparent success may seem to jus-
tify the astrologer beyond cavil. Yet, had he known that the young man's
Ascendant progressed much faster than his Midheaven and stamped him as too
materialistic to make a good doctor (for the first qualification of a good
doctor is a heart too big for his body), he might have realized that the
world had lost a good ironworker and become afflicted with a friend who rev-
eled in the bloody work of surgery for scientific satisfaction and who did
not waste a thought of pity on his hapless victims.
[PAGE 310]
Therefore it behooves the spiritual astrologer to first ascertain and
relative progression of the angles, and make all delineations subsidiary to
that cardinal point.
To illustrate how the angles are progressed, take the test horoscope for
Sept. 15, 1911, 9:20 p.m. Chicago. We will progress this for 45 years, as
that will give a good guage. The rule is:
The birthday represents the birth year, and each DAY after
birth (in the ephemeris), is as one YEAR of life.
Counting 45 days from Sept. 15th gives Oct. 30th. We use the S.T. on
that day to find the houses, but proceed otherwise as taught on page 33 of
Simplified Scientific Astrology.
S.T. Greenwich on noon previous to
(progressed) birth 14 30 00
Correction for West Long. 0 59
Interval from previous noon (Oct. 30)
to progressed birth (true local time) 9 28 00
Correction for Interval 1 34
--------
24 00 33
Deducting 24 hours gives S.T. of progressed birth 0 00 33
Nearest S.T. in Tables 0 0 0
Our Table of Houses for Lat. 42 gives the corresponding
progressed Ascendant: -Cancer 19.43 Midheaven Aries 0 0
Subtract the positions at birth:-Gemini 8.13 13
----- ----
Travel during 45 years 41.30 47.0
Thus we see that the Asc. and M.C. have kept fairly even pace. This is
therefore a comfortable "middle of the road" life, in which the spirit does
not strenuously strive with the recaciltrant flesh, though opportunities for
slight spiritual advancement will be given.
To show that you understand the principle here taught, please cast a
horoscope for Sept. 12, 1911, 12:50 a.m. Seatlle. Progress the angles for
45 years and tell me what you think thereof.
Yours in fellowship,
Max Heindel
[PAGE 311]
ASTROLOGY LESSON NO. 26:
Dear Friend:
In the last letter you set up a horoscope and progressed the angles for
45 years. You then found that the M.C. had moved three degrees to every two
traveled by the Asc. This shows that opportunities for soul growth will
abound, irrespective of whether the person profits by them or not, and judg-
ment of this figure should point out how the finer faculties may be culti-
vated, put to maximum use, and made to yield abundant treasure in heaven.
Had the Asc. moved more rapidly than the M.C. it would indicate that that
soul requires a material life work during this embodiment. Hints to promote
proper material pursuits would then be most helpful and indirectly produc-
tive of soul growth.
To justify this rule it is not required that the person whose M.C. is
speedier than his Asc. become a great spiritual light. He may even commit a
crime and languish in prison through years of sorrow and suffering; but
whatever the circumstances, his experiences will produce great soul growth.
The soul never blooms until watered abundantly with tears. As Goethe says:
"Who never ate his bread in sorrow,
Who never spend the midnight hours,
Weeping, watching for the morrow,
He knows ye not, ye heavenly powers."
The rose does not yield its full fragrance till its petals have been
crushed; the well of true sympathy springs only from a broken heart. All
who really advance spiritually are men of sorrow and acquainted with grief.
Paul mentions as the principal qualification of Christ Jesus that He had
suffered as we suffer, hence is able to feel for all who are weak and heavy
laden as no one could feel who had not thus suffered.
What a pathos lies in the words of Faust! What an anguish of soul is re-
vealed when he says:
"Two souls, alas! are houses within my breast,
And struggle there for undivided reign;
One, to the earth with passionate desire,
And closely clinging organs still adheres;
Above the mists the other doth aspire
With sacred ardor unto purer spheres."
Also, in our horoscope is foreshown a bitter war between the higher
nature and lower appetites. Saturn in elevation, sextile Neptune, on the
Asc., trine Sun & Uranus, will give such wonderful perception in mystic
matters that it will isolate this soul from his fellow man because his ideas
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will be beyond their comprehension. That will be a trial and will cause
regret. Saturn in Taurus, the sign which rules the tongue, gives a
thoughtful, sometimes stubborn disposition. He will be slow of speech and
because Saturn is in the 11th house it tends to limit friendships. Mars in
Gemini gives a keen, active and alert mentality, but in the 11th house tends
to friction in friendship through bluntness of speech. Though Saturn in
Taurus denies vocal expression, Sun, Venus, and Mercury in Virgo will
give unusual facility for writing in a most beautiful manner.
Misunderstood and criticized, denied the companionship of others, he will
be driven back upon his own devices for enjoyment. He may become a glutton,
for the Moon, ruler of the Asc., is in Taurus, which has dominion over the
palate, and serious illness would follow gastronomic excess.
The astrologer sees these tendencies, but is, of course, too tactful to
tell. He will not name disease, but rather seek to prescribe a preventive
or a remedy.
Lack of time precludes the reading of lengthy letters, but write me IN A
FEW WORDS what advice you would give the parents of this body. Please also
progress the angles for the 20th, 30th, and 40th years, and tell me if his
opportunities will be the best from childhood to 20, from 20 to 30, or from
30 to 40.
Yours in fellowship,
Max Heindel
[PAGE 313]
ASTROLOGY LESSON NO. 27:
Dear Friend:
By progressing the angles of our horoscope for 20, 30, and 40 years, we
found that the M.C. did not gain over the Asc. more than one degree in three
during any epoch. Thus opportunities for spiritual growth will be about the
same in all divisions of life; but, mark this: they will be more likely to
bring results when the progressed Midheaven aspects a radical planet. The
nature and character of the experience will depend upon the nature of the
planet aspected, the character of the aspect (sextile, square, or trine),
and the house where the aspected planet is located. The same rule would ap-
ply in regard to the influence of the Ascendant upon material affairs. Its
aspects by progression promote changes which affect our physical existence.
The effects of its aspects are not invalidated even though the tendency of
the life is towards the spiritual; and in a life where the speed of the As-
cendant foreshadows the preponderance of material activities, an spiritual
to the progressed Midheaven may wake the slumbering soul and a beginning of
spiritual activity may be inaugurated.
Right here is one of the most important and fruitful opportunities for
service which the spiritual astrologer can find, and although this whole
subject of "progression" should FOLLOW instruction on reading of the natal
figure instead of preceding it, I feel that knowledge of the effect of pro-
gression of the Ascendant and Midheaven is of such vast practical value that
I have decided to violate that precendent and stay with this subject till it
has been made as clear as I can make it. Then you will be able to help oth-
ers at crises in their lives which may have been unsuspected even by those
most anxious to aid.
Have you ever met a mother anxiously seeking advice concerning a wayward
girl or a drunken son? Would they mend? How could she best help them? Or
was it a wife with a flock of little ones, suffering through the neglect
husband or father? Alas! The world is full of such cases, and any spiritu-
ally minded astrologer actuated by compassion for all concerned, must often
have sorrowed when he searched vainly for an aspect of the planets that
would give a ray of hope. Had he known the elevating potency of aspects to
the radical and from the progressed Midheaven, had he known how these as-
pects produce opportunities to retrieve mistakes and make a new start in
life, he might have pointed out the auspicious time when judicious persua-
sion would have been the most effective in turning the wayward child or
weaning the father from the curse of drink; a time when they would have been
more amenable to reason than usual. Opportunities must be caught on the
wing or they are lost, and lack of astrological knowledge has wrecked many a
life.
Therefore, students are advised to always look carefully for aspects of
the progressed Midheaven to radical planets, or of progressed planets to the
[PAGE 314]
radical Midheaven. Aspects of Sun, Jupiter, and Venus to the Midheaven are
of course most powerful, but good aspects of Saturn sometimes accomplish
identical results by appeal to the delinquent's manhood and self-respect.
Look at the horoscope we are judging: The Midheaven is Aries 1. When it
has progressed to Aries 23, it will be square to Neptune, which is in 23 of
Cancer. Turn to our Table of Houses and count the liens from Aries 1 to Ar-
ies 23. Each line counts as approximately one year of life. Then progress
the angles by the method used in Lesson No. 2 for the same number of years
as there are lines between Aries 1 and Aries 23. If the progressed
Midheaven is Aries 23, the number of years used will be the age when the
square to Neptune culminates. If the progressed Midheaven is more or less
than Aries 23, Then please tell be the boy's age when this square culminates
and what you think will result.
Yours in fellowship,
Max Heindel
Remember to progress the Midheaven as taught in previous lessons.
[PAGE 315]
ASTROLOGY LESSON NO. 28:
I have waited before writing till a representative of answers to No. 4
have been received, in order to find out how students would solve that prob-
lem, as knowledge of their difficulties would aid me in explaining and giv-
ing them just the needed information. All have solved the mathematical
part; a large majority of those who have answered to date have also made
creditable attempts to outline the effect of the aspect, and a few have done
excellent work; but a few others have been peevish, said they came to learn
and should not be expected to judge. As similar methods will be persuaded
right along, it may be well to explain that the plan of teaching which con-
tinually feeds the student's mind with facts pertaining to a certain study
without attempting to draw from him MORE than given is apt to render the
mind sluggish instead of sharp.
A system of teaching, to be adequate, must stimulate individual ideas by
questions somewhat in advance of the pupil's knowledge. It is not easy for
the pupil; nothing worth while comes without struggle, but by trying to
achieve or attain we develop latent powers, and each new problem solved
makes work on the next one lighter. Therefore I shall continue to ask such
questions, and sometimes I may take the liberty of making a mistake in the
hope of being caught by the whole class.
Now, about our question, "What is the effect of the progressed
Midheaven square Neptune?" We will consider this thoroughly, as, once
understood, the method of solution may be applied to the judgment of all
configurations. The effect is compound and consists of:
(1) A GENERAL EFFECT, applicable to all horoscopes without regard
to whether Neptune is placed in the 7th or 12th house.
(2) A more specific effect based also upon HOUSE POSITION, and
different from the present case, of course, when the 7th house holds the
planet.
(3) A further distinction on account of SIGN and other aspects of
the planet. This would be altogether individual.
(4) It is a fact that we learn more by adversity than by prosper-
ity, that when an affliction is past and time has healed our bruises and
mellowed recollections, we profit by the lessons contained in painful expe-
riences; we bless the rod that smote us. Therefore the square and other
so-called evil aspects produce more soul growth than good configurations;
ecstasy of joy may fill out hearts under the latter; we may seem to soar to
the very throne of heaven, and lave in an ocean of celestial delight; but
when the stirring influence has left, when we wake to the cold,
matter-of-fact conditions of the world, how dull and drear is the contrast,
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how we shrink from the contact. Evil aspects, on the other hand, may bow
down our soul to the very depths of hell; a little while it may seem as if
there were no hope, no succor; but when the scale has swung and we behold
the silver lining of the cloud, the pain that seared our soul with an indel-
ible mark will bring out by contrast the beauties of God's plan and spur on
to greater efforts in His service.
We may therefore conclude a painful experience is in store for the boy
when the square culminates, but it contains a needed lesson, the nature of
which we shall endeavor to unravel. Please tell me whether you think the
effect of a planet in the 12th house is different when near the Asc. from
its influence when located near the 12th cusp.
Yours in fellowship,
Max Heindel
[PAGE 317]
ASTROLOGY LESSON NO. 29:
Dear Friend:
When a planet is located in the upper part of the 12th house, it influ-
ence is confined entirely to that department of life, but when close to the
Ascendant, it acquired dominion also over the physical body, for the Ascen-
dant is the degree which held the moon at conception and serves as an avenue
of ingress for the life forces until the severance of the unbilical cord.
The planets in aspect to that degree during the 9 months immediately preced-
ing birth each had a share in forming the organic constitution of the child.
This is particularly true of the planets which formed a conjunction with the
Ascendant during the pre-natal period. After birth, health is influenced by
aspects to the Ascendant and conditions of 6th house; but the organic con-
stitution which was determined by the prenatal aspects mentioned above is
almost unchangeable for these aspects are the ripe vintage of our past which
must be drunk to the dregs no matter how we squirm, though proper care, par-
ticularly if applied in childhood, may considerably decrease suffering from
that source.
Neptune really signifies what we may call "the gods," commencing with the
supernormal beings we know as Elder Brothers, and compassing the innumerable
hosts of spiritual entities, good, bad, and indifferent, which influence our
evolution. Its position and aspects denote our relation to them, if any;
malefic aspects attract agencies of a nature inimical to our welfare,
benefic configurations draw upon the good forces. Thus, if Neptune is placed
in the 10th house, trine to the Ascendant, the person involved will have the
opportunity to become a leader or prominent in a movement along mystical
lines as denoted by the exalted position of Neptune. His body will be ca-
pable of receiving the finer vibrations and coming into touch with the spi-
ritual world, as denoted by the trine of the Ascendant. On the other hand,
when Neptune is placed in the 12th house, whose nature is passive and pro-
ductive of suffering, it indicates that at some time, perhaps under a
square from the Midheaven such as we are considering, the evil forces
among whom are spirit-controls will be drawn to that person and endeavor to
obtain possession of the body. The conjunction of Neptune with the Ascendant
will make the body sensitive and usable for spiritual purposes as well as
the trine. Given the opportunity afforded by the first aspect mentioned,
the man may become a pupil of a Mystery School and a factor for great good
in the uplift of mankind; placed under the affliction of the second aspect,
he may become a helpless tool of spirit-controls, an irresponsible medium.
But there is one factor which is never shown in the horoscope, and that
is the will of the man. He is bound at some time in life to meet with the
experiences denoted by his horoscope, and the opportunities there
[PAGE 318]
indicated will be placed before him by one in orderly succession, as the
clock of destiny marks the appropriate time, but how he, the free and inde-
pendent spirit, meets those fated experiences, no one can determine before-
hand. The man in whose horoscope the first mentioned benefic configuration
occurs may not be sufficiently awake to the great opportunity before him to
catch it on the wing, it may have flown before he realizes that it was
there. Yes, he may even never become aware of the fact. On the other hand,
the person in whose life the square indicates the assault by spiritual
forces mentioned, may develop his spiritual muscle by resisting the on-
slaught and become a victor instead of being vanquished. Forewarned is
forearmed; if the parents of the boy whose horoscope we are considering
understand the gravity of the situation and foster the spirit of indepen-
dence in him from childhood up, they may lay up great treasure in heaven
by saving him from the deplorable fate of mediumship.
What do you think would have been the effect if Neptune had been in the
7th house. Squared by Progressed Midheaven?
Yours in fellowship,
Max Heindel
[PAGE 319]
ASTROLOGY LESSON NO. 30:
Dear Friend:
Let me reiterate that though we are now considering the facts of a cer-
tain planet, Neptune, the method of judgment is identical for the other
planets, and that when we know now to combine the effects of aspect, house,
and intrinsic nature of one planet, we may readily apply the same system of
combination to the other planets. To convey in one word all that is in-
cluded in the sphere of influence of a planet is difficult; but if you will
meditate upon the keywords given in this lesson, you will receive more il-
lumination concerning the inherent nature of planetary vibrations that you
can ever obtain by reading of other people's ideas, for the divine spark
which is YOU, by this earnest striving after spiritual understanding draws
directly from the fountainhead of information, namely, the planetary Spirit
of the particular heavenly body upon whose nature you are meditating.
In order to impress upon the student's mind how perfectly reasonable this
idea is and to give a better understanding of the method whereby this inner
illumination may be obtained, let us illustrate: In a machinery hall giant
wheel are revolving; the friction of the belts, humming of electric dynamos,
etc., blend in a noise which is deafening and confusing to the inexperi-
enced; a chaos of sound. But to the trained ear of the engineer there is no
chaos; he hears a variety of well ordered sounds, each bringing to him in-
telligence regarding the condition and work of the particular machine whence
it emanates. Each variation from the standard sound has its meaning, which
the trained man comprehends as readily as if the engine were endowed with
speech. Study of the internal construction of each machine has given him
his knowledge and the ability to act quickly in emergencies to avert immi-
nent disaster before the uninitiated would have realized that anything un-
usual was taking place.
Similarly, we are living in a world flooded with sound; the Harmony of
the Spheres is about our ears through we hear it not, and each vibration
carries with it certain intelligence. If our ears are deaf we are the los-
ers, as are the blind who miss the beauty of the flower, the glory of the
sunset. But if we train ourselves to understand the heavenly symphony re-
corded upon the page of the horoscope, we shall know things that must ever
remain secret from the unlearned, and thus we may become co-workers with God
in a mast intimate matter.
After years of close study and meditation I use the following keywords
for the intrinsic nature of the planets:
SUN: LIFE MERCURY: REASON MARS: DYNAMIC ENERGY
MOON: FECUNDATION VENUS: ATTRACTION NEPTUNE: DIVINITY
URANUS: ALTRUISM SATURN: OBSTRUCTION JUPITER: IDEATION
If you meditate on each planet by itself or with its opposite or with
[PAGE 320]
its affinities for a few days or weeks at the time you devote to this study,
you will gain a wonderful insight into their natures and effects; for in-
stance: The Sun is LIFE absolute, manifest or unmanifest; but Mars
represents the DYNAMIC ENERGY which is manifestation of life. This,
Saturn seeks to OBSTRUCT, and when he succeeds death ensures; the Sun gives
the germ of LIFE, the Moon furthers FECUNDATION, and thus a body is
produced; Jupiter gives the germinal IDEA, Mercury fecundates the
mind so that ideas take definite form as THOUGHT, and the DYNAMIC ENERGY of
Mars brings them into manifestation so that thoughts become things.
What is the connection between Venus and Uranus?
Yours in fellowship,
Max Heindel
[PAGE 321]
ASTROLOGY LESSON NO. 31:
Dear Friend:
"Love" is a much hackneyed word, and the emotion thus miscalled is usu-
ally so tainted with passion and desire that it is Martian rather than
Venusian in character. Coalition suggests a most intimate union, a blending
of the very souls of two or more people who compose a family; but altruism,
the keyword of Uranus, hints at such an all-embracing love as our Sav-
ior felt when He wept over Jerusalem and applied that wonderful simile of
the hen which fathers its brood under its wings. Thus Uranus is the
octave of Venus, and anyone ready to enter the Path of Preparation
which leads to the Way of Initiation must gradually learn to outgrow the
Venus love which makes the immediate family all in all and begin to culti-
vate the all-embracing Uranus altruism. The aspects of Mercury and Neptune
to Uranus bring the tests which further our development, if passed, and
delay us when we fail. The goal is high, and those who aim high often fall
low. When we essay to transcend the Venus love and cultivate the Uranus
altruism we are in great danger, and the most promising lives are sometimes
wrecked by the pernicious theory of soul mates, clandestine love affairs,
and perversion of the creative function.
In a horoscope such as we are considering, where the progressed MC
squares, Neptune in the 12th house, Neptune at the same time opposing Uranus
on the cusp of the 7th, we have one of the most dangerous combinations, for
the aspect to Neptune tends to attract spirit controls. These despi-
cable entities have a knack of beguiling their unsuspecting victims, by
plausible platitudes, into the most adominable practices, as indicated by
the aspects of Uranus and Neptune. The double square to the MC, which rules
honor and social standing, would indicate that a public scandal is inevit-
able-IF-
Yes, thank God there is always that "if," for in the final analysis there
is the man with this Godlike faculty of reason to be reckoned with. Experi-
ence has taught us the unwisdom of depending upon the appearance of an ap-
plicant for a position of trust; we demand credentials as to character and
antecedents. Ought we not to be much more careful with "spirit voices" from
the Invisible? Paul exhorted his followers to "try the spirits." They are
known by their fruits. Love, Joy, Peace, Forbearance, Kindness, Goodness,
Fidelity, Meekness and Self-Control are mentioned as "fruits of the godly
spirit." Paul exhorts his followers particularly not to use their liberty
for "an occasion of the flesh," licentiousness being mentioned as prime
"fruit of the flesh."
Paul was speaking to people upon the Path of Preparation and allow who
have qualified to receive these lessons are there also, though at varying
[PAGE 322]
stages. They feel the Uranian vibrations urging them to love beyond the con-
fines of the family circle. May God bless their efforts.
But remember this: Altruism does not require return of the love bestowed
upon others; it has absolutely no concern with sex; it will not LESSEN the
love for our family, but they, being nearest to us, will feel the increase
of our love to a greater degree than those farther away. Unless our love
brings forth such fruits, it is not Uranian, nor even Venusian; it will not
further us upon the Path of Attainment. When Neptune is on the Asc. in
Pisces or the 12th house, spirit voices are the tempters; in the 9th house,
one's own mind; in the 7th, an associate, etc.
"Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the Temple."
What do you think is the connection between Mercury and Neptune?
Yours in fellowship,
Max Heindel
[PAGE 323]
ASTROLOGY LESSON NO. 32:
Dear Friend:
Mercury is usually associated with reason and intelligence; to him is
ascribed rule over the nervous system, which is the medium of transmission
between the embodied spirit and the world without. Thus, as
Neptune signifies the subhuman and superhuman intelligences who live and
move in the spiritual realms of the universe, but who work with and
upon us, so Mercury indicates the human intelligence focused upon the
terrestrial, physical world where we live from birth to death. Therefore
it may be said that Neptune is the octave of Mercury, but there is a deeper
sense than this:
Reference to a textbook of anatomy or physiology will show that length-
wise fissures in the spinal cord divide it into three parts which together
enclose a hollow tube. Each of these columns is ruled by one of the Hierar-
chies in closest touch with us; the lunar, martial, and mercurial; one or
another predominating according to the stage of evolution of the individual.
In the spinal canal the rays of Neptune kindle the spiritual fire
whereby the human spirit is enabled to pierce the veil of flesh and contact
the worlds beyond. The resulting vision is colored according to the column
of the cord most actively excited.
In the childhood days of mankind the creative force which is now turned
outwards to build ships, houses, railways, telephones, etc., was used in-
wardly to build the organs of the body, and as the surrounding physical
world is photographed upon the table of a camera obscure, so the spiritual
world was reflected in the spinal canal. There man first beheld the lunar
God, Jehovah, whose angels were then his tutors. Later, angels who had
fallen behind the standard of their compeers and whose evolutionary require-
ments were therefore different, forced entrance to the spinal cord of man.
The spiritual inner vision of mankind faded when "their eyes were opened and
they say that they were naked"; then they lost touch with the higher self,
they saw only the person, and the docile creature of Jehovah was soon trans-
formed to a savage and a brute under the impulses of the Lucifer spirits,
the Hierarchy of Mars. But by their promptings man learned to conquer mate-
rial obstacles, to build outwardly and become architect of the world.
To counteract the unmitigated selfishness bred by the Martian angels and
to make mankind humane, our Elder Brothers from Mercury, human like our-
selves, whose which state of evolution required the high vibration generated
and prevailing in close proximity to the sun, were required to invest the
spinal cord of mankind also, and through their labors civilization has taken
on a different form. Mankind is again beginning to look inward, and when
[PAGE 324]
the mercurial ray meets the ray of Neptune in the spinal canal, man finds
again his higher self: the Christ is born within.
Thus you see the connection between the Moon, Mercury, and Neptune.
Those who come in touch with Neptune through the Moon become
irresponsible mediums, victims of obsession, etc., but where Mercury is
the gate, reason and understanding guide the aspiring spirit. An afflicted
Mercury may sometimes tempt seekers to enter by the wrong door, and mental
trouble may result. If aware of the danger, however, continual care and per-
sistence usually unlock the door of the Temple, for the good forces are in
ascendancy now and grow stronger as time passes.
In the horoscope we are considering, which of the two gates do you think
the boy is likely to choose? The Moon or Mercury. Why?
Yours in fellowship,
Max Heindel
[PAGE 325]
ASTROLOGY LESSON NO. 33:
Dear Friend:
In the majority of horoscopes Saturn appears as afflicted, and
through him come most of our heartaches. His position in Taurus and the
house of friends is unfortunate in the respects indicated in Letter No. 26,
but his elevation and powerfully good aspect to the Sun, Venus,
and Uranus bring out the best qualities of this planet. Mercury
is in Virgo, the sign of its exaltation, in conjunction with the Sun,
and SEPARATING from a trine of Saturn. When a planet having a cer-
tain orbital velocity comes into aspect with another heavenly body that is
slower and more ponderous, the swifter planet is said to "apply" to the
trine, square, or other aspect as the case may be, from the time it comes
within "orb" until the aspect is exact. Then it begins to "separate" and
though it is in aspect while within the orb of six degrees or a little me,
its influence is not nearly so strong as white it is applying. Take as an
illustration the relation of Saturn and Mercury in the present horo-
scope. Saturn is in Taurus 20:9, and Mercury in Virgo 13:13,
retrograde. As Mercury travels around the Sun in 88 days, and
Saturn requires more than 29 years to complete its circle, it is
obvious that Mercury makes and breaks every aspect with Saturn (and
indeed with all the other planets except the Moon), repeatedly.
Mercury is getting nearly beyond orb of a trine to Saturn in
this horoscope. It is "separating" due to its retrograde motion, but never-
theless its force will be noticeable in the boy's make-up. It will give
persistence and balance to the mind which may save him from the affliction
of Neptune. Mercury also goes BEFORE the Sun. The revolution
revolution of the earth upon its axis makes the planets seem to rise and
set, and a planet in Virgo 13 (as Mercury) naturally rises before
another in Virgo 18 (as the Sun). In that position Mercury,
the mystic "lightbearer" of the Gods, goes ahead of the spirit, signified
by the Sun, with the lamp of reason and intelligence. This is a
position much to be preferred to that where the Sun rises first and Mercury
FOLLOWS, for there the mystic light is behind the spirit and it requires a
greater struggle to attain illumination than where Mercury precedes.
The sextile of Mercury to Jupiter, the planet of "benevolence,"
further attests the inherent nobility of mind and strengthens the influence
of Mercury in the horoscope.
The Moon is in the highest elevation and in Taurus, the sign
of its exaltation, but it is applying to an opposition of Jupiter. Its
influence in the horoscope is therefore less than that of Mercury;
hence there is every reason to expect that this boy will escape the snares
of mediumship and some day knock at the door of the Temple.
I would like to make sure that you understand the principle of "applica-
tion" and "separation" of planets as explained; also about Mercury pre-
ceding and following the Sun. Please answer this: Is Saturn
applying to a trine to Uranus or is he separating, in our horoscope?
When the Sun is in Cancer 28 and Mercury is in Leo 25, does
Mercury rise before or after the Sun?
Yours in fellowship,
Max Heindel
[PAGE 326]
ASTROLOGY LESSON NO. 34:
Dear Friend:
For some time I have suspected that many students receiving the Senior
Lessons know little of aspects, Standard Time, retrogradation, and kindred
matters. Those who are well versed in these subjects are not caught in the
trap which has snared so many Senior students attempting to answer Senior
Lesson No. 10. I would advise those not well grounded in the beginnings of
science to review the lessons of the Junior Course. If you start system-
atically from the beginning, you will lay a sure foundation, and will not
overlook the important points involved in retrogradation of planets.
Saturn and Uranus are retrograde and a curious case results. To make the
matter clear I refer to Junior Lesson No. 8. When you have studied retro-
gradation there, you will see by examination of the positions given in
the ephermeris for the 12th, 13th, and 14th of September that both
Saturn and Uranus are retrograding at the rate of one minute per day; thus
they maintain the same distance from each other, and therefore they are
neither applying nor separating.
As I believe homeopathic doses are best for beginners, I did not explain
to the Junior Class that because of retrogradation a slow-moving planet may
apply to one which is more swift. Thus in the present case, had
Saturn been direct and Uranus retrograde both would have been applying. When
that is the case their rays are most powerfully focused, and the mind effect
is greatest. It is well worth while to keep these points in mind, and to be
sure, when inserting the planets in a horoscope, to designate with appropri-
ate marks those that are retrograde, for when not thus marked, astrologers
assume that all are direct, and a reading based on such a misconception must
necessarily be misleading.
In the present case, for instance, the UNIFORM retrogradation of BOTH
planets weakens their influence for good, and increases so-called "evil"
tendencies. Saturn in the 11th house obstructs the boy's hopes and
wishes; his friends fail him, and the retrogradation of Uranus makes it
difficult for him to guard against these mishaps, although the trine between
Saturn and Uranus will mitigate this to a considerable extent. Were both
Saturn and Uranus direct, Saturn would apply to the trine of Uranus,
and the intuitive faculty of the latter planet would impart more wisdom
and forestall to a greater degree the saturnine tendencies. During a period
in any horoscope when Saturn is direct and meets a retrograde Uranus
by progression IN A GOOD ASPECT they bring out the very highest of their re-
spective virtues potential in the native; but if they meet thus in an evil
configuration, they inevitably force any hidden evil to the surface, for re-
member, the planets inaugurate neither good not ill, they only stir into
activity tendencies which are latent within.
You will notice that during boyhood Mercury is R, but later becomes
direct, and about nineteen years after birth it forms a trine with Saturn.
Tell me what will be the result, but briefly, please, for as an as-
trologer you should cultivate conciseness. Too many words are confusing to
those for whom you read.
Yours in fellowship,
Max Heindel
[PAGE 327]
ASTROLOGY LESSON NO. 35:
Dear Friend:
Having considered the spiritual phase of our horoscope and the rocks to
be avoided, let us see what weak points in the physical casement require
care that health may be preserved.
Saturn is the planet of obstruction, no matter how he may be
aspected. The point where his ray falls is always weak, susceptible in re-
spect to cold, and consequently liable to contraction. In our horoscope,
Saturn is placed in a fixed sign, Taurus; his elevation gives him great
power, and we may judge that the boy will be liable to colds, also that the
throat will at times seem to contract and produce a sense of strangulation.
As a planet exercises a subsidiary effect in the opposite sign from that in
which it is placed, we may judge that Jupiter in Scorpio will also
exert an influence in the throat. The general nature of this planet tends
to produce portliness wherever it has dominion, and we may look for enlarge-
ment of the tonsils from this configuration.
You know the sympathetic connection between the organs of sex and speech,
how the boy's voice changes at puberty, and you will readily realize what is
likely to happen to this boy. At that age the throat is naturally sensi-
tive, and when Jupiter expands the tonsils and Saturn contracts
the orifice of the throat, a painful condition will probably result. With-
out the knowledge of Astrology the majority cannot judge the passing nature
of this condition, and those who are ignorant of occult danger if removing
the tonsils usually proceed to have the operation performed.
Puberty occurs about the time when the Moon passes in opposition
to its natal place. In this horoscope there are 16 degrees between
the radical Moon and Saturn. The usual motion of the Moon is
about one degree per month. During the 16 months while she passes in
opposition to her radical place, the conjucntion to Jupiter, and the
opposition to Saturn the above mentioned condition of the throat will be
worse. Once the critical period is past, relief will come naturally without
aid from the knife.
Regarding the effect of removing tonsils: these are ruled by
Taurus, one of the signs of Venus. There is great sympathy between signs
ruled by the same planet. Libra, the other Venus sign, rules the kidneys.
Removal of tonsils from the Taurus region affects secretion of urine in the
Libra region. Therefore when we remove the tonsils from a child we create
a tendency to gout and rheumatism in later years.
This is an important point of great value to parents and astro-health ad-
justers which we hope will save the coming generation much suffering.
Yours in fellowship,
Max Heindel
Continued with file "RC4019.TXT"
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